NB 42k Porto Alegre: Kipchoge's Brazil Debut, Record Edition

Innovative Prizes and Quality Kit

The NB 42k Porto Alegre organization heavily invests in athlete recognition. The total prize money exceeds R$1,140,000, with significant incentives for breaking national records (R$100,000) and South American records (R$400,000). Furthermore, in a gesture of support for local runners, the race offers R$50,000 to the first Brazilian man and woman to cross the finish line, regardless of overall placement. The athlete's kit is also a highlight, including a New Balance shirt, socks, beanie, and arm sleeves, along with various sponsor items, ensuring a premium experience for all participants.

Eliud Kipchoge's Arrival in Brazil

The arrival of Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathoner in history, at the NB 42k Porto Alegre is the highlight of this edition. The negotiation, brokered by Luiz Felipe Poço, an international agent and right-hand man to Kipchoge's agency in Latin America, was a challenge. Cláudio revealed that although the initial cost seemed high, "nothing you use associated with Kipchoge will be expensive" due to the immense benefit and return he provides to the event and the city.

The financial impact for Porto Alegre is estimated between R$70 million and R$100 million, with support from the City Hall, New Balance, Golden Lake, Unimed Porto Alegre, and Huawei, which made the athlete's visit possible. Kipchoge's decision to choose Porto Alegre was the result of a thorough study by his team, which recognized the quality of the organization and the city's potential.

Special Aura and Event Schedule

Cláudio Soirefmann described Kipchoge as a "very enlightened" being, with a special aura and tranquility reminiscent of a Buddhist monk. This unique presence will be felt at various events during marathon week. In addition to visits to underprivileged communities and social projects, the following are scheduled:

• Happy Hour: On Thursday, a gathering for around 220 people with a chat, group photo session, and signed giveaways, aimed at raising funds for the Kipchoge Institute.
• Public Meeting: On Friday, an open discussion for approximately 1,000 people, promoting running and engaging the community.

On race day, Kipchoge will participate in the run and will have a dedicated motorcycle for filming, as well as a strong security detail with three dedicated guards and support from the city hall. The expectation is that he will run in a strong pack until the half-marathon mark, with the entire course closely monitored to record every moment of his historic participation. For elite athletes, an exclusive lounge at the start will allow for closer interaction with the Olympic champion.

Cláudio Soirefmann's Entrepreneurial Journey with Run Sports

Cláudio Soirefmann shared his inspiring personal and professional journey. A resident of Porto Alegre, he started running 40 years ago, at age 14, and transformed his passion into a business. After living in London, Israel, and Florence and working in a family technology business for 16 years, he felt the need to pursue a greater purpose.

In 2006, he founded Run Sports, initially with smaller events. The major milestone was the Poa Night Run, which revolutionized the city's night running scene. Initial challenges included a lack of specialized suppliers and difficulty securing sponsorships, as the running market did not have the same "boom" as it does today. Today, Run Sports organizes around 18 annual events, involving over 100,000 people, and an ultramarathon on the Gaúcho coast, the Summer 48k.

Cláudio also reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the cancellation of an event two hours before the start—a moment of crisis that, paradoxically, boosted the running market. "Post-pandemic, our market exploded," he states, crediting the growth to people's increased awareness of the importance of health and physical exercise. He has now resumed running marathons, with plans to participate in the Berlin Marathon and combine races with visits to his granddaughter in Israel.

Stemma Sports Broadcast and Strategic Partnerships

Stemma Sports will provide live coverage of the NB 42k Porto Alegre, with a strong commentary team including Marilson Gomes dos Santos, Adalto, and Rodrigo Claymar, in addition to narrator Álvaro José and on-field reporters. The coverage will focus on elite athletes and the overall race experience, featuring drone cameras and tracking of all participants' finishes.

Among the strategic partnerships, Ticket Sports stands out as the official registration platform and Stemma partner, offering valuable market data and promoting the Ticket Sports Challenge for innovative startups in the sector. Z2 Performance supplies gels and supplements, and Oakley showcases its specific running eyewear, demonstrating the supportive ecosystem that drives the sport in Brazil.

This edition of the New Balance 42k Porto Alegre Marathon is a testament to the power of sport to connect people, inspire achievement, and energize cities. Eliud Kipchoge's presence is not just an event; it's a celebration of running that will be etched in the memories of all participants and athletics enthusiasts.